Research & Sources

National health spending reached $5.3 trillion in 2024 (18.0% of GDP)

Health spending projected to reach 20.3% of GDP by 2033

Average employer-sponsored family premium: $25,572 (2024)

44% of adults say health care costs are difficult to afford

41% of adults reported medical or dental debt (2022)

23% of working-age adults are underinsured

75% of Medicare Advantage care denials overturned when fully reviewed

13% of denied MA prior authorization requests met Medicare coverage rules

20% of in-network claims denied on the ACA marketplace (2024)

Less than 1% of denied claims are appealed by patients

53 million prior authorization determinations in Medicare Advantage (2024)

93% of physicians report prior authorization delays access to necessary care

27 million people disenrolled from Medicaid after redeterminations resumed

69% of Medicaid disenrollments were procedural (not eligibility-based)

Enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired January 1, 2026

92.0% of people had health insurance for some or all of the year (2024)

92.3 million people live in primary care shortage areas

137.1 million people live in mental health shortage areas

Projected 141,160 FTE physician shortfall by 2038

76.4% of adults had at least one chronic condition (2023)

51.4% of adults had multiple chronic conditions (2023)

Over-65 population expected to be 21% of total by 2040

Medicaid LTSS users: 9.7 million; expenditures: $228.6 billion (2023)

100 million Americans carry medical or dental debt

Medical debts under $500 removed from credit reports (CFPB rule)

Nonprofit hospitals required to have financial assistance policies (501(r))